Two West Midlands groups that provide vital support for carers and those affected by domestic violence are celebrating today, as they share a windfall of almost £1 million from the Big Lottery Fund.

The money comes from BIG’s Reaching Communities programme, which supports projects that improve the lives of people across England.

John Taylor, Big Lottery Fund Head of Region for the West Midlands, said: “These Lottery awards of almost £1 million show our continued investment in charities helping to support some of the regions most vulnerable people.  These two projects are a great example of the positive impact Lottery funding can have on local people and communities.”

To help meet the complex issues faced by many carers, such as ill health, financial problems, rural isolation, age and disability North Staffs Carers Association has been awarded a grant of £445,735 for a brand new support project.

As part of the five-year C.R.A.S.H (Carers Rapid Action Support and Help) project, development workers will co-ordinate referrals, advance home visits and carry out assessments to identify and prioritise needs and support.

John Conner Business Development Officer for the Association, said: “The project will focus on those carers who provide regular and substantial care, but have complex or urgent issues that are seriously affecting their ability to continue with their caring responsibilities, therefore jeopardising the independence of the carer and the cared for.

“The second phase of the Project will provide an ongoing befriending support structure, which will help the carer with day to day practical problems and encourage them to focus on their own health and well being and to ensure that crisis situations are avoided.”

The second West Midlands group benefiting today in Sandwell Women’s Agency Network (SWAN) that has been awarded £434,717.

SWAN Community Carelink project, based in West Bromwich, will provide early intervention for people affected by domestic violence and will offer an effective response to vulnerable adults and their children through a support and safety planning process.  The project will develop and tailor a service that increases levels and ranges of support available to vulnerable, traumatised women and victims of domestic abuse.  Outreach work will involve developing a home support network with a befriending, signposting and listening service.

The group works closely with organisations such as West Midlands Police, Social Services, the local PCT and MIND and other relevant agencies, including social workers, local GPs, mental health workers and voluntary agencies.

Sue Morgan from Sandwell Women’s Agency Network, said: “This grant will enable us to develop and tailor an innovative support service (SWAN Community Carelink) for vulnerable people in their own homes.  Our gratitude goes to Paul Dodd who is the Third sector Lead with the Care Services Improvement Partnership (CSIP) West Midlands and Marilyn Burrill for their help and guidance with our application and consultation.

 “SWAN would like to thank the Big Lottery Fund for providing us with the opportunity to fill a gap in services for vulnerable people.”